dinsdag 14 januari 2014

British Government played a part in the attack in 1984 on the Golden Temple

This morning it has been learned that the British Government played a part in the attack in 1984 on the Golden Temple. It was brought to our attention by Dr Kamalroop Singh on his facebook page.

Newly released records at the National Archives, London shows that the British Government was involved in the planning and military assault on the Golden Temple, the most important shrine of the Sikhs. Their role extended to sending SAS, or secret forces to aid and coordinate the attack.

Tom Watson, UK MP for West Bromwich East, shared his concerns about the information contained in the documents and has stated that he, 'is writing to the Foreign Secretary about this matter and will raise it in the House of Commons,' expecting a full explanation. He also been on BBC Radio this morning to discuss these alarming documents, he further stated, 'the documents have only just been released after 30 years' and he's shocked by what he's seen.

Pod cast of Interview with Tom Watson on BBC Asian Network

The LetterThe letter from the National Archives was first mentioned this morning on the Stop Deportations blog the states the following:

"The Indian authorities recently sought British advice over a plan to remove Sikh extremists from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Foreign Secretary decided to respond favourably to the Indian request and, with the Prime Minister's agreement, an SAD [sic] officer has visited India and drawn up a plan which has been approved by Mrs Gandhi. The Foreign Secretary believes that the Indian Government may put the plan into operation shortly".

The serving Prime Minister at the time was Margaret Thatcher who is now deceased, the thirty year rule ensures that many individuals who have undertook their policies can not be held to account. However as as Sikhs commemorate their role in the centenary of World War, answers will be needed and a full enquiry to be held. The petitionAs a result of this mornings news there has been further comment from MP Paul Uppal who has set up a petition to 'launch an urgent inquiry into British involvement into the 1984 attack on Amritsar.' This can be accessed on the following link